In the MotoGP merry-go-round, Yamaha and Franco Morbidelli are going their separate ways from the end of 2023. But Yamaha won't be waiting long for a successor - Alex Rins will take the helm from 2024 and bring a breath of fresh air to the team.
Franco Morbidelli and Yamaha will go their separate ways from the end of 2023. The news of the separation of the two parties caused a stir in the MotoGP world. Morbidelli, who moved to the Japanese manufacturer in 2019, leaves behind a remarkable record of six podiums, including three victories, and a vice world championship in 2020. Nevertheless, the last few years seemed to be rather bumpy, especially after a knee injury that gave Morbidelli a forced break in the 2021 season.
Lin Jarvis, managing director of Yamaha Motor Racing, expressed his gratitude to Morbidelli and stressed that despite the challenges of the last two years, the team hopes to finish the partnership on a high note. However, the future of the Italian is still uncertain. Morbidelli has clearly expressed that he wants to stay in MotoGP, there could be a possible move to the VR46 team waiting for him.
Welcome aboard, Alex Rins!
Morbidelli’s place will not remain empty for long, however, as Yamaha has already found a worthy successor. Experienced Spaniard Alex Rins will join the Yamaha factory team in 2024 and will be on track alongside Fabio Quartararo. Rins, who can look back on an impressive career with a total of 18 race wins (6x MotoGP™, 4x Moto2™, 8x Moto3™) and 58 podiums (18x MotoGP™, 17x Moto2™, 23x Moto3™), has not lost heart despite a leg injury he suffered in the 2023 Italian GP Sprint. After two surgeries, Rins is determinedly working on his full recovery.
There is great joy about Rins’ joining the Yamaha team. Lin Jarvis stated that Rins will be a great asset to the team with his broad experience, talent and determination. Rins’ previous experience with two other MotoGP manufacturers and with machines similar to the characteristics of the YZR-M1 should help him adapt to the new machine.
To conclude, although the merry-go-round has spun at Yamaha, the team is optimistic about the future. With Alex Rins on board and Fabio Quartararo by his side, nothing stands in the way of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.
